Customer Reviews

Mobile technology improves in Thailand

Consumer demand for smartphone technology in Thailand has surged dramatically in the last year, according to recent market data, with a rising interest in social media sites spurring much of the mobile growth.

According to figures released by GfK, smartphones accounted for more than 40 percent of mobile phone sales in Thailand in the past 12 months, with the demand for smart phones two years ago amounting to just half of this amount.

The latest trend is likely to be positive news for telecom providers and global hand-held device manufacturers. At present, only 25 million of the country’s population of 66 million regularly use the internet and social media users comprise approximately 72 percent of that figure, leaving a lot of room for growth.

In conjunction with a rise in smart phone use, the last year has seen a number of advances in Thailand’s information and communications technology (ICT) sectors, as companies have responded to the surge in demand. Mobile operators began launching 3G mobile broadband services in May this year, utilising the 2.1 G-Hz frequency. It is estimated that coverage from all three of Thailand's main providers: AIS, Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move will cover approximately 70 percent of the country by the end of 2013, including major tourist areas like Phuket, with 90 percent coverage targeted by mid-2014.

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Global Information Technology Report 2013, which was published in April, Thailand has climbed three places to 74th position in a list of 144 countries in terms of its ICT performance. The Kingdom is performing well in several categories, including business-to-client usage of ICT services, with relative affordability of services a highlight of its accomplishments.

Service providers are also expected to utilise the 700 M-Hz band which is set to be freed up later this year for 4G and 5G communications, according to Hamadoun Toure, ITU secretary general. In fact, True Move has already stepped up its game against competitors by revealing plans to launch a limited 4G service this year, with coverage extending to parts of Bangkok and 15 other urban locations.

July 11th marked the fifth anniversary of Apple's App Store, which now offers almost 1 million applications, with this and Android devices no battling for market share, countries like Thailand are becoming key targets for the expansion of high speed internet. A growth that also benefits visitors to the country who experience the similar connection speeds n their smartphone as they do back home when travelling to Thailand on business or for a holiday.